Romans 9

Grace and peace,

We're back on track with the Chapter Memory Study through Romans. Continuing with chapter 9, the memory passage is Romans 9:6-8.

Romans 9:6-8
⁶ But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, ⁷ and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named." ⁸ This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.

The theme for this chapter is "Righteous Sovereignty of God".

Paul begins this chapter with a graphic description of his burden for his countrymen, the Jews. While it is impossible for him to be 'accursed and cut off from Christ' for their sake, you can clearly feel his heavy heart for the nation of Israel that rejected Christ. After all, he says, they have been given adoption (as sons), glory (of God revealed), covenants (Abrahamic, Davidic, etc), the law (given by His hand), worship (service in the tabernacle/temple), promises (especially of the coming Messiah), and the patriarchs (line of promises). How can a nation so privileged by God be so blinded to their own Messiah? Paul's anguish is clear.

The memory passage outlines the whole chapter with correction and confirmation. The true children of God are 'counted as offspring' apart from descendants or heritage.

Verses 9-26 deal with the sovereignty of God. Jacob was loved over Esau 'before they had done...either good or bad'. Pharaoh's hardness was endured by God until the perfect time to show His power. The pot (us) has no right to judge the Potter (God) as to his ways or means. God has shown His patience with vessels of destruction so that His justice and wrath might be known. Bottom line: He is God, we are not.

The closing verses summarize the chapter. Israel has stumbled because they pursued righteousness by their works and not by faith in Christ, the Stone of stumbling.

How does this affect my worship?
True understanding and acceptance of God's sovereignty rests on trust. Who am I (the pot) to say to God (the Potter) that I have a better idea or plan? He is the Potter, and He is the Good Potter; wise, loving, holy, just, and sovereign. My response to His sovereignty must be trust that His Word is true, thankfulness that He loves me and wants the best for me, and constant worship of Him as an acceptable and living sacrifice.

How doest this affect my discipleship?
As we pursue righteousness together, we must always remember that it is by faith and not works. Discipleship should not be burdened with legalistic demands and guilt-driven expectations. Discipleship is walking together in the pursuit of righteousness by the power of Holy Spirit.

May you trust His sovereignty today,

Ethan